June 19 – Just when you thought the Glazers couldn’t find new ways to squeeze every last penny out of Manchester United’s supporters, along comes a substantial increase in ticket prices for high-profile fixtures.
On the very day the English Premier League fixture list dropped, Manchester United decided to announce “eye-watering” ticket price hikes that represent a fresh kick in the teeth for fans.
The club will be introducing a new ticket categorisation system that will see match-by-match buyers cough up more than 50% extra for the privilege of watching the Red Devils at Old Trafford.
The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) didn’t mince its words in response. “Once again, they [the club] have failed to consult any of the fans representative bodies on the details of the decision, and once again they’re making choices against the interests of fans and, we believe, the club as a whole.”
The club, naturally, insist they did engage with the Fan Advisory Board and even reduced some increases following talks. But when your starting point is “eye-watering,” it doesn’t leave a lot of room for negotiations.
Sources close to the club are briefing that these price rises are “vital to strengthen their delicate financial position and ensure the team is competitive on the pitch.” This statement flies in the face of logic when broadcast and commercial revenue dwarf matchday income.
MUST’s spokesman continued, “What Manchester United need next season is a united fanbase and club, with the team on the pitch supported by loyal and vocal fans roaring it back after the disaster that was last year.”
Instead, what they’ve got is owners more interested in extracting value than creating it, pricing out the very supporters who might actually help drag this club back from the abyss.
With no European football to distract from the mess, these price hikes feel like the ultimate insult.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1750335776labto1750335776ofdlr1750335776owedi1750335776sni@r1750335776etsbe1750335776w.kci1750335776n1750335776